Established in 1991 by Lara Gothique ("Hells Belle"), The Velvet Burlesque has earned a formidable reputation for a professional, and extremely high quality of teaching, performance and production. Due to this, The Velvet Burlesque are now one of the largest, and longest-running Burlesque & Cabaret Variety Theatre shows/productions, and Burlesque & Cabaret dance class(es) in the U.K.

Lara Gothique ("Hells Belle") was voted into the Top 5 "Best British Burlesque Performer" category by The Burlesque Awards, and The Velvet Burlesque show troupe won the award for "Best British Burlesque Troupe".

The Velvet Burlesque also proudly produce and present Sheffield Burlesque & Cabaret Extravaganza. A spectacular festival of Burlesque, Cabaret, Circus, Magic, Sideshow and Variety style performance, with multiple shows and events - all held within in the heart of Sheffield`s Theatre district. The event also includes a wide variety of dance & performing arts workshops for all ages held at various venues around the city centre to compliment the evening shows. From the first festival held in 2016, #SBCE has proved to be a fabulous success and has received incredible feedback from performers, audience and participants alike. The festival will return again for it's fourth production during August Bank Holiday 2019, proving to be even bigger and better than before!

In 2016, The Velvet Burlesque were invited to produce their shows at The Scarborough Spa - a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian venue set in the South Bay of Scarborough. 2016 & 2017 saw five Velvet Burlesque shows held within the Grand Hall, and the show will return again soon.

In January 2017 - The Velvet Boylesque - Lara started a Men's Burlesque, Cabaret & Show dance class.

Lara Gothique ("Hells Belle") and The Velvet Burlesque are based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire (U.K.), but will travel further afield (including internationally).